DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
UPCOMING TERM DATES
INSET Day
Monday 5 January th
Term Starts
Tuesday 6 January th
Half Term
Monday 16 - Friday 20 February th th
Term Ends
Friday 27 March th
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
BY MR CONLON
"I'm proud to see the number of our staff and students who have, yet again, shown a commitment to our ICC THRIVE values in such a variety of ways."
Welcome to our first ICC Newsletter of 2025-26! I'm sure we're all eager for the Christmas break to begin, however, this newsletter allows us to reflect on an Autumn full of achievements that represent everything that makes our school so special. We have a wonderful mix of extra-curricular contributions, exciting trips and experiences, academic achievements and plenty more I'm proud to see the number of our staff and students who have, yet again, shown a commitment to our ICC THRIVE values in such a variety of ways
It's clear from the range of entries that we're all in the need of a good rest over the holidays ahead of what will be another busy Spring term. I wish all of our families a fantastic Christmas and a very happy New Year
Year7 TRANSITION
SUMMER SCHOOL
BY MISS WILSON
Eighty enthusiastic Year 6 students gathered for an inspiring two-day summer school, participating in a diverse array of activities aimed at igniting their passions and fostering teamwork The students engaged in team-building challenges and channelled their creativity in vibrant art sessions, where they crafted unique poly block and mono printing pieces that reflected their individual personalities. Physical Education (PE) was also an extremely popular activity; the Year 6 students further engaged in the academic realm by exploring English, participating in interactive maths games, and attending science workshops designed to challenge their critical thinking and problemsolving skills in fun and engaging ways. Additionally, the forest schools experience immersed them in the beauty of nature, offering a refreshing break from traditional classroom settings and promoting both exploration and creativity. Throughout this enriching experience, the students not only expanded their knowledge and skills but also formed meaningful connections with classmates in their tutor groups and familiarised themselves with staff members, creating a supportive community that would enhance their journey as they prepared for the challenges and adventures that lay ahead when joining Ifield Community College in September 2025
Year7 YOUR AMAZING DAY
DEER’S
LEAP PARK
th BY MISS SHAW
Thirty Year 7 students attended Deer’s Leap Park for Your Amazing Day on Friday 26 September for an adventure day where their teamwork, resilience, independence and visionary skills were put to the test From high ropes to crate stacking it is fair to say everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves, learnt new skills and beamed with confidence throughout all activities. They were all amazing and will be able to use their interpersonal skills back in the classroom to continue to thrive.
Year7 HALLOWEEN GLOW DISCO
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
BY MISS WILSON
Our Year 7 students lit up the dance floor at the Halloween Glow Disco, organised and run by the PTFA The evening was filled with fantastic dancing, fabulous costumes, and plenty of fun From spooky outfits to glowing accessories, everyone embraced the theme and enjoyed a night of music, laughter, and celebration. A huge thank you to the PTFA for making this event possible and to all the parents who supported it Events like these not only create wonderful memories for our students but also help raise vital funds for f i i l
THE FIRST YEAR BY MATT
GOODFELLOW
BY MISS WILSON
Over the summer, all Year 7 students were asked to read *The First Year* by Matt Goodfellow This novel explores the transition from primary to secondary school, along with the challenges of being a pre-teen. Students have enjoyed reading about Nate's experiences and reflecting on their own journeys from primary school to joining ICC. Matt Goodfellow visited ICC to discuss his novel. He gave an assembly to all Year 7 students and conducted workshops. He talked about his own experiences of school, his journey as an author and how to write your own book It was an amazing opportunity for all!
Year7 THE BIG SUMMER READ
Year7 PARTNERSHIPS
SUSSEX SAFER ROADS PARTNERSHIPS
BY MISS WILSON
In early November, all Year 7 students were invited to attend a performance organized by The Sussex Safer Roads Partnership This partnership aims to reduce road casualties involving young people across Sussex and includes Brighton & Hove City Council, East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council, Highways England, East and West Fire and Rescue Services, and Sussex Police. Students reported that they greatly enjoyed the interactive performance, which encouraged them to think about road safety from different perspectives
Music DEPARTMENT
THIS SOUNDS AMAZING
BY MRS NAGENDRA
YEAR
7
During curriculum time this term we have been learning about correct breathing techniques, expression and intonation in singing.
YEAR 8
We have been learning about building confidence in singing and are currently starting the ukulele with an end point of singing and playing at the same point
YEAR
9
We are working on music production using Bandlab for Education to re mix a song.
OCTOBER
On the 20th October, ICC hosted Sings Live, an event run by West Sussex Music. 27 students took part across KS3 and KS4 in a singing workshop led by The Sixteen. They are a company who promote the joy of singing in schools. This will be followed up with a further workshop in March at Christs Hospital Horsham.
NOVEMBER
On the 3rd November, 15 students went to Glyndebourne opera house to see a new opera telling the story of The Railway Children. This was unlike anything that the students had seen before and it was very different to have a story told without dialogue However, the students embraced the experience.
On the 26th November, we held our very first KS4 music student's concert Year 10 & 11 were able to show off their talents in front of an intimate audience. This was invaluable experience of getting ready for a performance and dealing with nerves. Everyone did brilliantly
Performing Arts DEPARTMENT
SCHOOL PRODUCTION 2025
BY MISS HAYNES
This year’s school production of Shrek the Musical Jr was a fantastic showcase of our students’ talent, teamwork, and dedication. From the first rehearsal to the final curtain call, every student involved demonstrated incredible commitment and enthusiasm.
The cast brought the beloved fairytale characters to life with energy, humour, and heart. Their hard work in learning lines, songs, and choreography all undertaken in extra-curricular time truly paid off on the performance nights and primary schools matinee performance.
Behind the scenes, our student crew worked calmly setting and striking set and props, as well as our wonderful staff assisting with face painting and technical support. We turned our school hall into a magical world straight out of the swamp
Overall, the production was a wonderful celebration of collaboration, perseverance, and the performing arts Congratulations to all the students, parents and performing staff who made Shrek the Musical such a memorable success! What will the 2026 production be
Student SPOTLIGHT
“The great debate was an amazing portunity to express my skills. It was a ure to compete against others of similar and interests. I want to say a big thank
o Mr Birch for giving me the chance to do this and supporting me.“
JACK K AND THE GREAT DEBATE
BY MR BIRCH
In November, one of our year 11 students, Jack K, entered ‘The Great Debate’ competition run by the Historical Association. He undertook his own research using public and personal records to deliver a 5-minute speech on local history. His final piece, discussing the nature of change as Crawley’s ‘new town’ was built, reflected both sharp historical analysis and articulate delivery Jack then visited St John’s School in Leatherhead to perform his speech to a panel of local and academic historians, competing against sixth form students from other schools. It is worth mentioning that Jack was the only student representing a non-selective state school Although Jack was not chosen to proceed to national finals, his speech was highly commended by the judges, who commented on his thorough research and passionate delivery Jack was an enormous credit to himself, the school, and the local community.
Congratulations Jack!
What is the Great Debate?
The Great Debate is a public speaking competition where students have 5 minutes to present their speech arguing their answer to the question.
Over the past couple of years the competition has been growing in size
The competition for this year is: How important are personal and public records as evidence for explaining the story, or stories, of your local area?
Student COUNCIL
VISIONARY STUDENT LEADERS AT ICC
BY MRS VAUGHAN
This year's whole school student council met for the first time this year. The students elected to represent their year group were: Jasper, Emily, Quinn, Poppy, James, Alex, Jawad, Malikah, Adn and Sheema. These students have demonstrated maturity, eloquence and leadership skills We are delighted that they have been chosen as this year's school leaders. During our first meeting students discussed three school issues The RSHE curriculum, rewards and the canteen.
This year we moved away from a drop-down day model for RSHE. Now students have an RSHE lesson every two weeks with the same teacher Students in the council were incredibly positive about this change and were keen to highlight that having RSHE lessons with one teacher made them feel more supported and comfortable when discussing sensitive topics such as exploitation or grief Additionally, students were excited about the active participation involved in lessons and opportunities to talk and express their views on a regular basis
Our second discussion was about rewarding students who had displayed THRIVE values at school The students identified a host of opportunities to reward their peers. These were shared with the Senior Leadership Team who will now be putting these rewards into action
Finally, the council discussed the canteen. Students were delighted with the changes to the canteen, which had a makeover during the summer holidays They were pleased with the additional staff, the improved quality of the food and the new additions to the menu They were also pleased with the new outdoor pod which has reduced pressure on the lunch queue and most of all that slushies are now served every day of the year There were however deep concerns about the lack of chicken nuggets! We have shared student feedback with the canteen and one of their staff will be attending our next council meeting. Democracy at its finest!
Junior LEADERSHIPTEAM
ICC is proud to present our first Junior Leadership Team made up of outstanding Year 11 students These students have been chosen to be school leaders because of the exceptional contribution they make to school life.
They are committed to supporting our school and take part in numerous school events, from prospective parents evening to subject and year group events. We are enormously proud of them and everything they do. We know they will go on to achieve great things Congratulations to Ava, Tadi, Kaycie, Ellie, Tamara, Patience, Owen, Falizha, Anya, Naylan, Mia, Kirthikh and Sophie
HITS £1,000 MILESTONE!
BY MRS SAWER
Our PTFA has now raised an incredible £1,000 through a series of fantastic events, including two Year 7 Glow Discos and the Colour Run celebrating diversity. We are delighted to announce that £500 was presented to the Performing Arts Department to help fund Shrek the Musical Jr The PTFA is also continuing its efforts to raise funds for a brandnew trophy cabinet for the PE Department, so our students’ sporting achievements can be proudly displayed We are also keen to support students with the Duke of Edinburgh Award and create a library for the History Department.
✅ How You Can Help:
Support by purchasing a Parents’ Lottery ticket for a chance to win £25,000 every week
�� Play now at: www.theparentslottery.org/find-yourschool
Interested in joining the PTFA committee?
Email PTFA@ifieldcc.org.uk – your involvement makes a real difference!
Charity DAYS
STUDENTS AT ICC BEING THOUGHTFUL
BY MR DIFFLEY
The Student Senior Leadership Team have been very busy this Autumn term with excellent fundraising efforts. They led a very successful Macmillan Coffee Morning and Wear it Pink for Cancer. Fundraising raised £202 25 (double last year's efforts!) Several students and members of staff either baked/donated items which were quickly bought by enthusiastic ICC students and staff alike. In addition to this, several Sixth Formers raised money for Children in Need by selling products on a variety of stalls Excellent work by all involved for very worthwhile causes!
A wonderfully festive Santa Run took place with some Sixth Formers and staff alike All those involved braved the chilly weather to run for Men who Talk, an excellent men's mental health charity. A Cyclathon also took place to raise money involving sixth form students and staff and Christmas stalls selling drinks and treats (as well as festive games!). These all took place on Wednesday 17 December supporting the same charity. Total raised will become available in the near future! th
CHRISTMAS HAMPER APPEAL
BY MRS JARMAN-SMITH
This half term, our Year 8 students have been focusing on the THRIVE value 'Thoughtful'. As part of this, they are proud to be supporting The Easter Team, a local charity that provides food and essential support to individuals and families most in need across the Crawley area.
Our Year 8s have been collecting donations for the charity’s Christmas appeal, with all items gathered by students and handed over for distribution on 12th December We warmly thank families for their contributions, they can help make a real difference for families in need during this festive season A special thank you goes to Nabila Bonsu, Miguel Vasconcelos and Ashley Ockenden for supporting Mrs Jarman-Smith (Head of Year) in delivering Year Group Charity assemblies Their enthusiasm and leadership have been greatly appreciated.
To add a bit of friendly competition, a prize was awarded to the tutor group that created the most imaginative Christmas hamper. Winners below. Thank you for your generosity and for supporting our students as they put thoughtfulness into action.
Congratulations to Sophie P in Year 9 for creating an amazing and very festive gingerbread house hamper- 1 Prize st
Congratulations to the whole class in 9JHA for creating a unique green festive hamper- 2 Prize nd
IBY MRS SAWYER
On Armistice Day, ICC came together for a deeply moving Service of Remembrance to honour all those who gave their lives in conflict Students representing the Army Cadet Force, RAF Cadets, Police Cadets, Scouts, and Guides delivered heartfelt readings, and an impressive drill display demonstrated discipline and respect. The service concluded with a poignant poppy drop, and every student observed the two-minute silence impeccably, reflecting the true spirit of remembrance.
We would like to thank all parents and staff who supported the Royal British Legion bake sale, which was a huge success, and everyone who purchased a poppy Please remember that wearing a poppy is not a symbol of war, but of peace and hope for a better future. Your generosity and support help keep this important tradition alive for generations to come.
“They gave their tomorrow so we could have our today.”
STUDENTS A ICC BEING THOUGHTFU
BY MRS VAUGHAN
On the 14th November, the students at ICC organised a day of activities to raise money for Children in Need The students had democratically voted for Children in Need to be our whole school charity fund raising event this year. Each tutor group designed and hosted a fundraising stall in each year group from Year 7 all the way through to Year 13. It was astounding to see all the effort that had gone in to creating imaginative and thoughtful stalls These included book sales, table football, guess the teacher from their baby pictures, cake stalls, guess the sweets in a jar, face painting, temporary tattoos and many more A special mention goes to Year 7 who had two or three stalls per tutor group. The Senior Leadership Team also got involved in a Where’s Wally treasure hunt. Can you find Wally in the pictures attached? All together students and staff raised a huge amount of £1,254 23 We are extremely proud of our students and staff for their commitment to charity causes and supporting people in our communities who are in need. I would also like to thank parents who took the time to help with stall preparations at home. We would not be able to run these events without your support, you are an integral part of our community. We are ICC Proud!
YEAR 11
BY MR DALE WRITTEN BY OUR YEAR 11 STUDENT FALIZHA
On the 24th of October, ICC took part in the "Show Racism the Red Card" charity event, to raise awareness about racism, promoting equality for all. Year 11 students led assemblies to raise awareness for the charity event, reminding each other of the importance of respecting, caring and standing together against discrimination, sharing messages from influential people
In the assembly, students broadcasted how racism is normalised in our dayto-day life, in different places We fundraised money through a variety of sweet sales and guessing the name of the teddy, raising a total of £744.15. This brought the school together, for a meaningful cause Taking part in this event, as a school, not only helps us contribute to an important cause but also encourages students and peers to reflect on how we can challenge racism in our daily lives, ensuring we make our school an inclusive school for all
Show Racism the Red Card is an anti-racism educational charity
They work to challenge racism through empowering role models within communities, organisations, and sports, in order to dismantle racism in society
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Nelson Mandela
REWARDS Rewards AT IC
BY MRS VAUGHAN
At the end of every term, we host student reward parties for those students who have accrued enough reward points to attend Reward points are given to students by teachers and staff for demonstrating our THRIVE values every day These include being thoughtful, hardworking, resilient and independent. As a reward the students get to have an hour of fun to celebrate their achievements every half term.
In the first half of the autumn term students had an hour of team building activities. They had to build a tower using marshmallows and spaghetti The best structures and teamwork were rewarded with extra prizes This led to a huge amount of competition, some amazing structures and teamwork. We most definitely have some future engineers in our student body This half term students are taking part in Christmas Bingo, will have a Christmas lunch and year 7 will take part in a Christmas talent show.
Questions & ANSWERS
Q&A WITH MS BROWN
WRITTEN BY OUR YEAR 11 STUDENT FALIZHA
This term, I decided to interview an active member of the school community, Ms Brown. Ms Brown is someone who contributes a significant amount of her time and effort to the school, often working behind the scenes to support students and staff. Although her work plays an important role in the smooth running of the school, it often goes unnoticed by many. Through this interview, I hope to highlight Ms Brown’s contributions and give others a better understanding of the impact she has on our school community.
1.What’s your role at ICC and how long have you been doing this for?
Ms Brown is the PA to the principal, Mr Conlon, and the communication officer. She’s been here at ICC for 20 years, and 11 years of it has been as a PA.
2 What’s the first thing you do when coming school and what’s your favourite part of the day?
First thing she does is check Mr Conlon’s timetable and make him a cup of tea. Her favourite thing to do is to see students she doesn’t usually see when doing photography for the school.
3 What school event do you enjoy capturing the most?
Her favourite events are to capture the charitable school events, especially when people dress up and wear costumes. Ms Brown loves seeing people being so creative.
4.What’s something you do behind the scenes that many don’t realise?
Ms Brown oversees all the social media pages, posting key information on these accounts and updating the school website.
5.What’s the most rewarding part if your job?
Ms Brown says that supporting the principal and SLT so they can focus on their strategic priorities and make greater impacts across the school. It’s rewarding to solve the problems, organise schedules, and make sure everything runs smoothly.
6 If your job was a movie/genre, what would it be and why?
If Ms Brown was a PA in a movie, it would be The Devil Wears Prada meets Mrs Doubtfire. Ms Brown says she’s the organising, multitasking assistant who keeps everything together behind the scenes while staying calm, being adaptable and always two steps.
7 What's one thing about you that will shock others?
Ms Brown likes to up cycle furniture. This is something that brings her peace of mind and can be therapeutic.
8 What's one thing you wish students knew about the work you do for us?
Students don’t really know she’s the Principals PA, or the work she does behind the scenes; just a the person behind the camera!
9.What's one thing that makes your day better?
Chocolates always make you feel better.
10 Words of wisdom to the students
Study hard, believe in yourself, and follow your dreams boldly. There’s no limit to what you can achieve.
